pioneer deh p960mp ribbon replacement

I have a Pioneer DEH-P960MP and I need to replace the ribbon that goes from the movable faceplate to the unit. These are known for going bad so I'm relatively sure it's the fix. Pioneer sells the part for 15 bucks but they won't tell me how to replace it.

Thanks in advance for any help.

None of the older ones are that hard to do.  Some of the newer ones require soldering.  If you get it and can not figure it out, I can help you with it.

They all come apart easily.  There may or may not be a #2 phillips screw on the top cover of the deck.  Remove the screw and remove the top cover.  Then there will be 4 #1 phillips screws that secure the CD mechanism to the radio.  It is very important that you use a very good #1 phillips screwdriver.  You must also put some decent downward pressure on the screws to get them started.  Failure to do so will result in a stripped out head of a screw.  Some of the screws are down at the bottom of the transport.  Not too easy to drill out or get pliers on to get them out.   You may want to try a few screwdrivers to make sure you have one that tightly grips the head of the screw.

There is going to be one or 2 connections between the mechanism and the main board.  One flat ribbon cable and possibly a connecter with 2 or 3 small wires on it.  Lift the mechanism slowly so you do not tear the ribbon cable, or the other wires.  Simply slide the ribbon cable out of the connector on the mainboard and unplug the other plug if it is present.  Set the mechanism aside.

With the radio facing you, on the right side, there is a large plastic gear, I do not remember the direction, but you turn that gear and the front face rolls to the open position.   Once you get the face open, detach it and notice the path of the ribbon cable and which slot on the front bezel it enters.  This ribbon cable detaches differently than the other one did.  This one has a lock on it.  Slide the outer case of the ribbon cable receptacle it toward the rear of the deck.  It only moves about 1/8 of an inch.  Now remove the cable from the plug.  There are 2 small holes that you can insert a pick tool into,  This is more important when trying to reinsert the cable into the plug. 

Now you need to remove the small board that the ribbon cable is attached to.  This requires a #0 or #00 phillips screwdriver.  These screws are not hard to get out of the holes, however they are very hard to find if you drop one.  I recomend performing this part of the job inside a large platter or baking pan. 

Remove the board and ribbon cable, grab the new assembly, and slide the ribbon through the retainer on the bottom of the rear face and back through the slot in which it came through.  Sometimes it helps to close the front display a little.   Don't forget to put the little rubber pad that comes with the cable onto the bottom of the little board where the ribbon cable meets up with that board.  Reverse the above to get it back together.  Let me know if you do not understand any part of the instructions. Or if you have any questions.